Border Safety and Security Act of 2025
Border Safety and Security Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Border Safety and Security Act of 2025 Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Border Safety and Security Act would require the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to stop allowing people to enter the United States at the southern border without proper entry documents if DHS cannot detain them or send them back to an adjacent country. The bill also gives DHS authority to suspend entry of undocumented arrivals whenever the agency determines it's necessary to maintain control of the border. Additionally, individual states would be allowed to sue DHS if they believe the agency isn't enforcing this requirement. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily affects non-citizens attempting to enter the U.S. at the southern border without proper documents, including asylum seekers.
It also impacts DHS operations and potentially states that border Mexico. Under current law, people claiming fear of persecution (credible fear) are typically detained while their asylum cases are reviewed; this bill would change those procedures during certain circumstances. **Current Status** The bill (HR 318) was introduced in the 119th Congress by Rep. Chip Roy (R-Texas) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Border Safety and Security Act of 2025This bill requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to suspend the entry of any non-U.S. nationals (aliens under federal law) without valid entry documents during any period when DHS cannot detain such an individual or return the individual to a foreign country contiguous to the United States. A state may sue DHS to enforce this requirement.(Under current law, non-U.S. nationals who arrive at the border without entry documents are generally subject to expedited removal. However, if such an individual is found to have a credible fear of persecution, they are typically subject to detention while their asylum claim is being considered.)The bill also authorizes DHS to suspend the entry of non-U.S. nationals without entry documents at the border if DHS determines that such a suspension is necessary to achieve operational control over such a border.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement.